Property Inspections and On-Site Auctions to Reopen
From next weekend property inspections and on-site auctions will be permitted to be held after a six-week limited prohibition subject to strict guidelines being observed.
BREAKING NEWS: SIGNIFICANT BUILDING INDUSTRY CHANGES TO COME AS NSW PARLIAMENT RELEASES FINAL REPORT
NSW Parliament releases “Regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes” final report. The final report of the Public Accountability Committee, “Regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes” was tabled by NSW Parliament on 30 April 2020. The report and its 22 significant recommendations are being considered by the government which must provide a response within six months. The 22 recommendations from the lengthy report are as follows: Recommendation 1 That the NSW Government introduce and debate the powers bill granting the NSW Building Commissioner new powers to ensure building standards as a matter of urgency when the NSW Parliament is reconvened in May 2020, with prompt circulation of the proposed bill to members of Parliament. Recommendation 2 That the NSW Government resume debate on the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 as a matter of urgency when the NSW Parliament is reconvened in May 2020. Recommendation 3 That the NSW Government empower the NSW Building Commissioner to oversee all licencing inspections, within the newly created Building Commission. Further, that the Building Commission hire additional,…
COVID-19 UPDATE – TEMPORARY ACTIVITIES WORK VISA (SUBCLASS 408)
The Australian Government has made some variations to the Temporary Activities (Subclass 408) visa. In effect, a new stream has been developed to allow the visa holder to remain in Australia if you have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
COVID-19 UPDATE – CHANGES TO THE WAY CERTAIN LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE SIGNED AND WITNESSED IN NSW
New regulations have been enacted to reduce face-to-face contact and make it easier for people to stay home and reduce physical interactions while, still completing important transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MM COVID-19 UPDATE: CHANGES TO FIRB APPLICATIONS
Temporary changes to Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework have been enacted by the Federal Government, effective from 29 March 2020.
CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE: ARE YOUR PAYMENT CLAIMS IN ORDER?
A recent decision in the NSW Supreme Court is a timely reminder that payment claims served under a construction contract must be for work performed or related goods and services.
CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE E-ALERT: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Administration of construction contracts is an important process for building contractors and sub-contractors in the life of a construction project.
PLANNING E ALERT: REFORMS TO DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEVIES
Back in November, the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, highlighted four crucial areas of reform to the NSW planning system for 2020, including addressing the uncertainty of developer contributions to propel investment in the sector. The Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, considers this uncertainty and lack of transparency “the number one issue I hear from industry”. Mr Stokes has now announced the appointment of Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat to undertake a review of the current contributions and offer recommendations for a new system by the end of this year.
CAN YOU HOLD FACE-TO-FACE STRATA MEETINGS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS?
Our Strata team is constantly being asked about what types of meetings can be held during the Government restrictions brought about due to COVID-19. The Strata Regulations make allowances for electronic meetings, such as pre-meeting email votes, telephone, videoconferencing or voting website.
COVID-19 CRISIS: CREDITOR’S STATUTORY DEMANDS – COURT DECISION POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC FOR CREDITORS.
In the current COVID-19 climate, with so many businesses facing hardship and insolvency, many businesses and individuals are looking for ways to recoup monies owed and keep their own businesses afloat despite the downturn in their debtor’s sectors